Stellenbosch victors as they becalm struggling Magesi

ASHLEY CUPIDO helped himself to a brace as Stellenbosch FC beat Magesi FC 2-0 at a windy Danie Craven Stadium on Tuesday night. The Cape Winelands team moved up to fifth place with 27 points from their 17 matches.

Magesi, on the other hand, remained rooted 15th spot, which they occupy only because of Royal AM’s prolonged inactivity.

The first meeting between the two teams in the elite league was always going to be an intriguing encounter, and while beaten, Magesi gave a good account of themselves.

They were just undone by Cupido, who was in an insatiable mood for goals, as he ran at the visitors’ defense incessantly. Not surprising, then, that coach Steve Barker brought him off in the final minute to rapturous applause from the appreciative crowd.

Cupido’s goals showcased the striker’s talents. The first, in the 21st minute, saw him making a timely and brilliant run to the near post to connect with a delightful cross from the left by Fawaaz Basadien. If the first goal illustrated his ability to make himself available for passes, the second was a lesson in his pace and composure in finishing.

Magesi had a throw-in in Stellies’ half but lost possession, and the ball was hoofed upfield towards the other half. Mzwandile Buthelezi appeared to have it covered, with the visitors’ defender a few yards ahead of Cupido. But the Stellies forward showed incredible speed, outrunning Buthelezi to reach the ball and slot it past Elvis Chipezeze.

Given Mashikinya had equalized for Magesi from a corner kick — the ball flicked on by Buthelezi — and the striker, who had not played in a while, managed to get his foot to it and slip it past Sage Stephens.

Stephens then pulled off a fantastic save late in the match, punching the ball over for a corner to deny Magesi the equalizer and ensure maximum points for Stellies.